Women Lead Protest Against Deadly Invasion of Anambra’s Oil-Rich Ogwuaniocha Community

Tension and grief grip Ogwuaniocha community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State as women take to the streets of Onitsha to protest against a brutal attack by unknown gunmen, who claimed to be part of a group known as the Lion Squad. The attack left at least 10 people dead and 20 others injured, shaking the oil-rich community with its common boundary with Oguta in Imo State.

Ogwuaniocha had recently attained oil-producing status, making Anambra one of the beneficiaries of the 13 percent oil derivation fund. The incident, which occurred a few days ago, has roots that extend back two years when the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Oliver Chike Nnaji, was abducted from his palace by the same terror gang identifying as the Lion Squad. His whereabouts remain unknown to this day.

In a powerful demonstration, around 100 aggrieved women from Ogwuaniocha, jointly led by Nkemdilim Onwurah and Ngozi Freda Nnaji, the wife of the abducted traditional ruler, marched from New Market Road to Old Market Road in Onitsha. In front of the General Post Office, they addressed the media, shedding light on the dire situation.

Nkemdilim Onwurah told reporters that the opposition parties operating under the banner of the Lion Squad, who had abducted Igwe Nnaji in November 2021, have now formed an alliance with various criminal gangs, commonly known as unknown gunmen, to terrorize law-abiding citizens in the region. These opposition parties have united with kidnappers in the Ihiala and Orlu axis, establishing camps with names such as Longinus Camp, Ose Mkpuruosisu, Onuiyi Camp, and Usham Ogwuaniocha Annex to unleash terror on the people.

The latest onslaught occurred between Thursday, October 19, and Friday, October 20, when the combined group of terror gangs and the Lion Squad emerged from their hideouts in the bush. They attacked innocent citizens, including Abiana Alanze and Prince Nnaji, subjecting them to brutal beatings. Fortunately, naval personnel and local vigilantes intervened, preventing further casualties.

The women’s spokesperson appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and security agencies in the state to rescue them from the clutches of these criminal gangs. Many residents in the area are now living in fear and hiding for the sake of their lives.

Mrs. Ngozi Freda Nnaji, while speaking with tears in her eyes, recalled the harrowing events of November 15, 2021, when the terror gang, led by someone known as Double Lion, invaded Igwe’s palace, setting it ablaze. During their escape attempt, Igwe Nnaji was abducted, and Mrs. Nnaji fainted, waking up later in a hospital.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that he was not yet aware of the incident at the time of filing this report. The community’s residents are left grappling with fear and uncertainty, desperately seeking a resolution to the ongoing violence that threatens their lives and livelihoods.